Friendship is Marty Stu

Twilight Sparkle watched the scene unfold with a mix of curiosity and caution, her eyes narrowing as she took in the strange figure before her. The sudden retreat of the usually fearless timber wolves was certainly...intriguing. "Ponyville is just over that hill," she said, pointing with her horn. "But why would you be looking for it?" Her voice was calm, yet it bore the weight of a thousand unspoken questions. Twilight's curiosity was piqued by the mysterious aura that surrounded this newcomer. She stepped forward, her hooves making soft whispers in the leaves as she approached. "I've never seen your kind before. What brings you to our land?" she inquired, her eyes flickering with a hint of suspicion.

"Let's just say that the higher powers have observed the far-reaching consequences of violence and injustice, and decided that they will no longer ignore them. I foresee a question in the spirit: why not just remove all evil from the world? This will not work for the following reasons: the decision contradicts the concept of freedom of choice and the dichotomy of normative-evaluative categories, which is far from as obvious as it may seem at first glance."

Twilight Sparkle's eyes widened at the mention of 'higher powers' and 'freedom of choice.' She trotted alongside Hero, her purple hooves tapping rhythmically on the soft earth. "Your words carry the weight of profound knowledge, but they are also shrouded in mystery," she said, her gaze focused intently on the masked figure. "Tell me more about these higher powers and how you come to be here in our land. And what is your purpose in Ponyville?" Her horn glowed softly as she prepared to take notes with a quill that seemed to appear out of thin air. The golden leaves of the oak trees whispered a gentle melody above them as they approached the grand library that stood proudly in the heart of Ponyville. The building's warm, welcoming light spilled out onto the cobblestone path, beckoning them closer.

"In fact, the higher powers are an organization with its own hierarchy and a list of responsibilities. The creator is at the highest stage. On the middle one, the king: he can create his own style of managing abilities and change their principle of operation, and finally, users: they can use powers, but not change the style of thinking and the principle of their action."

As they approached the golden oak library, the grandeur of the structure seemed to resonate with the gravity of Cheater's words. Twilight Sparkle nodded thoughtfully, her quill poised over a fresh parchment. "I see," she murmured, her eyes still locked onto the masked hero. "So, you're here under the auspices of this... 'organization' to address injustices and protect freedom of choice?" Her horn flickered with anticipation as she began to scribble down notes. The cobblestone path grew more defined under their hooves, the gentle crunch echoing in the quiet evening air. "And your mask," she prodded, "What does it symbolize?".

"Freedom from censorship, harassment, and surveillance. Things that all tyrants who have ever stood in power are famous for."

The golden oak library grew closer, its grandeur casting a warm glow that seemed to dance across Cheater's mask. Twilight's curiosity remained steadfast, her pen scribbling across the parchment as she tried to make sense of his enigmatic words. "Tell me more about this mask," she pressed, her eyes never leaving the intricate design. "What power does it hold, and how does it relate to your purpose here?"

"The power of the mask can be described in one word: omnipotence. As for the goals: to mitigate the impact of the consequences of evil activities on each individual planet."

Twilight's quill hovered over the parchment for a moment as she digested Cheater's words. "Omnipotence," she murmured, her voice filled with a mix of awe and skepticism. "That's quite the claim." She looked up at the masked figure, her gaze searching his eyes, which she could just make out through the slits in the mask. "How do you intend to combat evil without infringing on the free will of the ponies of Ponyville?"

"As they used to say in the courts in ancient times: the freedom of one being ends where the suffering of another begins, so this is not such a pressing issue."

Twilight nodded slowly, her thoughts racing. "I understand the principle," she said, her voice measured and calm. "But how do you propose to distinguish between justifiable actions and those that cause suffering? It's a delicate balance." The quill in her horn hovered over the parchment, poised to capture the essence of his reply.

"The golden rule of morality: do not do to others what you do not want for yourself, and do to others as you would like to be done to you."

Twilight Sparkle's close look remained on the masked figure as he spoke, her expression a blend of contemplation and skepticism. "Interesting," she mused, her quill still hovering over the parchment. "But moral absolutes can be blurred, especially in complex situations. What happens when the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few?"

"When the needs of two entities collide, everyone strives to come to a solution. In the case of omnipotence, the question changes to: what needs to be done so that everyone is satisfied with the decision."

Twilight's eyes narrowed as she considered his response, the tip of her quill tapping the parchment in contemplation. "A noble goal," she conceded, "but fraught with challenges. How do you plan to navigate such complex situations?" Her horn glowed a little brighter as she recorded his words, the parchment filling up with neat, curling script. The library loomed closer, the warm light of its windows casting an inviting glow upon them.

"Between the opposite solutions to the problem from opposite sides lie others that will satisfy all different points of view."

Twilight Sparkle nodded thoughtfully, her eyes reflecting the flickering light from the library windows. "Finding such a solution requires a deep understanding of every creature's perspective," she said, her quill dancing over the parchment as she scribbled furiously. "And sometimes, even the best intentions can lead to unforeseen consequences."

"The most difficult part of omnipotence is resisting the temptation to use force, and not calculating all possible events, as many intelligent beings think."

Twilight's eyes remained transfixed on the masked figure as they continued their journey towards the library. She nodded thoughtfully at his words, the weight of his statement sinking in. "Indeed," she said, her voice tinged with understanding, "restraint is a true test of power." She paused, her quill hovering over the parchment as she considered her next question. "Your approach seems wise, but how do you intend to apply such a principle in the face of adversaries who may not share your restraint?" The warm glow from the library's windows grew stronger with every step, casting a comforting light on their path. The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant laughter of ponies playing in the park filled the air, a stark contrast to the gravity of their conversation.

"Usually, the king of cheaters tries not to interfere with what is happening, with his abilities it becomes no more difficult than flying on wings for pegasus. But if intervention is still required: do you remember what I said about the description of the mask? Well, I suggest that you try this power yourself on some inanimate object away from urban settlements and buildings, it can be done even today, even tomorrow. If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you for a place to spend the night."

Twilight Sparkle looked up from her parchment, her eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and concern. "The mask," she murmured, the weight of its potential resonating through her voice. "I see." She thought for a moment, her horn glowing softly as she considered the implications of such power. "I understand your caution, but I assure you, my intentions are purely academic." She gestured towards the grand doors of the Golden Oak Library, which swung open with a gentle creak, revealing the vast, hushed chamber within. "You are welcome to stay in the guest quarters of the library tonight. It's the safest and most comfortable place in Ponyville." As they entered the warm embrace of the library, the scent of old books and parchment filled the air, and the gentle hum of enchanted lights grew louder. The wooden shelves stretched up into the shadowy heights, filled with tomes of ancient wisdom and forgotten lore. Twilight led Cheater to a cozy nook, where a plush bed and a small table with a steaming teapot waited. She sat across from him, her quill and parchment at the ready. "Now," she began, her voice a gentle yet firm invitation, "tell me more about this omnipotence and the challenges you face in maintaining such a delicate balance."

"Thank you. So the main difficulties of omnipotence are: moral and ethical problems and contradictions that may arise from insufficient careful and thoughtful use of it. An example of this is the eponymous family of paradoxes associated with various interpretations of the above concept, such as: "Square circle", "stone paradox" which sounds like: "Can an omnipotent being create a stone that he himself cannot lift?". Do you want an example in the style of exact sciences: "Can an omnipotent being, acting within the framework of Euclid's geometry, create a triangle whose sum of angles is not equal to 180 degrees?" or in the style of penitentiary systems: "Can God create a prison so secure that he himself cannot break out of it?""

As they settled into the cozy nook of the library, Twilight leaned in, her eyes gleaming with intellectual hunger. "The 'stone paradox' is indeed a classic conundrum," she said, her voice echoing softly in the stillness. "But let's consider something more practical for our world, like, say, the Elements of Harmony. They're powerful, but their use is governed by the principles of friendship and balance. How does your omnipotence differ from such magic?".

"Of course, they are similar in regulating the use of one and the other. However, will you be able to tell on the basis of what the artifact chooses measures of influence, and how it will behave if certain data accept differences that are invisible to the eye. And what about its internal structure?"

Twilight nodded, her curiosity piqued by the comparison to the Elements of Harmony. "I see," she said, her eyes lighting up as an idea took shape. "Could we test the limits of your power in a controlled environment?" She gestured to the library's vast collection of books. "Here, we could choose an object that won't harm anyone if anything...unexpected occurs."

"What functions should it perform? And what should it look like?"

As they entered the hallowed halls of the Golden Oak Library, Twilight's eyes sparkled with excitement. She looked around, taking in the grandeur of the ancient tomes and enchanted scrolls that lined the shelves. She turned to Cheater, her gaze sharp with inquiry. "Let's say, for the sake of our discussion, that we're dealing with a non-sentient object, like a simple apple. Could you manipulate it with your power?" Her question hung in the air, mingling with the dust motes that danced in the soft light of the glowing lanterns.

"There's no problem with that." Green symbols appeared around the arm, which served as an antenna for transmitting power to the object, along with the same glow. They enveloped the apple, which rose to a certain height in the air from their impact.

Twilight watched with rapt attention as the apple levitated. Her mind raced with questions and theories. "Fascinating," she murmured. "Can your power extend to living beings as well?"

"She can. However, it prohibits various abuses."

Twilight's eyes narrowed slightly as she observed the floating apple. "What prevents one from using such power for personal gain or to harm others?" she asked, her voice a soft but insistent whisper that seemed to carry through the library's quietude.

"Nothing prevents you from using it for personal gain, you can at least create a personal pocket dimension. But if this personal benefit harms others: prepare to nullify both the power of the artifact and the gift."

Twilight Sparkle's eyes remained glued to the floating apple, the implications of Cheater's power swirling through her mind. "And what if one were to use your power in a way that doesn't directly harm others but still disrupts the balance? Like, say, solving every problem with ease, thus removing the opportunity for growth?"

"The Force will discover such a cunning man. And at the level of instincts, it simply won't work: it makes everyone smart and knowledgeable. There will simply be no negative factors if the owner himself does not want to do them, and so let's say low-level programs do not have access to higher-level programs. Built-in security measures so that there are no excuses like: "I didn't know" or "I used it foolishly"."

Twilight's stare never left the apple as it hovered gracefully in the air. "So, it's akin to a sentient force, guiding the user's intent?" she mused, her eyes thoughtful. "What happens if one tries to push these boundaries, to manipulate the very fabric of reality for selfish desires?" Her horn glowed a gentle amethyst, the light playing over the apple, hinting at her own power's curiosity.

Rather, a pragmatic force. As I said before, it depends on the sign of the consequences. Positively, nothing will happen to the egoist. Negatively, the egoist who has done this is thrown back in time along with the canceled gift and, if there is, the same artifact. All the damage caused is rolled back, and the memories remain, so that the creature knows for what violations it lost its power. However, this does not prevent you from pushing the boundaries in a hand-made copy.

Twilight's expression grew more intrigued as she listened to Cheater's explanation. She leaned back, her eyes flickering with the light of the enchanted candles. "So, the artifact is a tool for learning and growth rather than a means to an end in itself," she said, her voice echoing slightly in the quiet library. "What happens when the one who wields the mask encounters a creature with power that is inherently destructive, yet they refuse to change their ways?" Her horn glowed a soft amethyst as she placed her quill and parchment aside, indicating her full attention to the masked hero.

"The power can also be used in this way.
One of the main properties of the artifact: it can be anything, even a hairpin, the main thing is that it can be worn.
Regarding the collision of two creatures of mass destruction: did you mean another user/king with an artifact? If the answer is yes: Everyone will strive for a peaceful resolution of differences. Naturally, both beings are aware of the consequences of their choice. Of course, they can decide to fight like knights, but in case of great destruction, both will have to bear responsibility: the first for creating a conflict situation, and the second for agreeing to hold such a destructive competition. The punishment for this is set out above. If the answer is no: The other creature is stopped and offered correction, if it refuses, from that moment on it will feel everything that it has caused to other living beings, and no masochistic tendencies will make the situation easier. If he agrees, he is released to all four corners of the world, but the force or its owner will look after him. In case of violations, see the sentence above immediately after the word "refuses"".

Twilight Sparkle's expression grew more thoughtful as she digested Cheater's words. "Ah," she said softly, "so the artifact acts as a sort of moral compass, guiding those who wield it towards justice and balance." She paused, her horn flickering with a contemplative light. "But what of those who are beyond redemption, whose destructive nature is so deeply ingrained that they cannot be corrected?" Her eyes searched the masked figure, seeking the depths of his knowledge. "And if such a creature were to come into possession of your artifact, what then? Would the power within it be enough to contain such malice?" The gentle rustle of pages turning and the distant ticking of the library's ancient clock filled the air as they sat in the quiet sanctum of knowledge.

"If you want, you can fix anyone, including yourself. Moreover, at a sufficiently deep level, the force does not give any restrictions, except for observing the golden rule of morality and the prohibition of abuse against other beings. And if it turns out that someone takes possession of the artifact, then there are two options:
The first one says that taking possession of the artifact is a calculated situation to the smallest detail, and the one who takes possession will be in the position of a user with appropriate restrictions. In case of abuse: you already know the punishment. And it concerns both the king and the user. The owner of the artifact can make a new one - the force is neutral about its so-called "loss". And there will be no consequences for him.
The second option reads as follows: the owner of the artifact foresaw this possibility, so he added the function of forging the creature that took possession of it to the artifact.
So, in addition to enjoying the possibilities, someone is waiting for either the inevitable resignation to the peculiarities of the artifact, or a cardinal change of habits and principles, and maybe peace of mind. Unless, of course, he tries to give up the possibilities of this power after realizing his difficult situation".

Twilight Sparkle leaned back in her chair, her eyes reflecting the amber glow of the candles as she pondered Cheater's words. "Fascinating," she murmured, her mind racing with the implications of such power. "And what of those who are not open to change? Who would resist the moral compass of the artifact?"

"Obviously, a creature with a strong will. However, the will tends to be depleted, unlike the omnipotence of force, which can constantly replenish the lack of an internal supply of magic. Those who are not ready for change can, of course, turn off the gift and power. But who would want to do this, knowing about its capabilities in a basic form and its vulnerability?"

Twilight Sparkle's horn dimmed slightly as she took in Cheater's words. "What happens if a being with such strong will refuses to change, even when faced with the power of the artifact?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern. "Could they become a threat to the very balance you aim to preserve?"

"The creature always has other options. And if it does not change, it will inevitably find itself either in its own dimension or at the fork in the past paths, along which it will walk until this happens."

Twilight's eyes widened in surprise at the revelation. "A dimension of its own creation?" she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of wonder and wariness. "And if they refuse to change even then?"

"Then perhaps we are not looking at a living being, but a program that imitates it well. You probably know about astral entities. Well, our mimic will either go to the subtle plane, or choose a sandbox dimension instead, where he can do whatever he wants, but he will not have any influence on the real world".

"The first meaning is a genre of games that provides players with a greater degree of creativity to interact, usually without any predetermined goal or, alternatively, with a goal that the players set for themselves.
The second value is a specially dedicated environment for the safe execution of program code. Rather, the second option, but nothing will prevent you from making a copy of the world with entities behaving according to the sequences of conditions and actions inherent in them. And then shove the alleged villain in there and look at his behavior from all sides".

Twilight's interest grew as Cheater spoke of the sandbox dimension. "Intriguing," she murmured, her eyes alight with curiosity. "Could you elaborate on the nature of this sandbox dimension? Is it a realm of pure thought, or a physical place with its own laws?" She paused, her horn dimming slightly as she considered the implications. "And what of the being sent there? Are they aware of their confinement, or is it a form of illusion?" The quiet of the library seemed to intensify around them, the crackling of the fireplace and the occasional flutter of a page the only sounds breaking the silence as she awaited his response.

"The sandbox is a replica of reality at all levels. And trying to determine its nature is like trying to distinguish a natural atom from an artificially created one".

Twilight Sparkle's eyes widened with astonishment, the concept of such a dimension stretching the very fabric of her understanding. "A perfect copy of reality," she murmured, her horn casting a soft glow over the parchment. "Does this mean that within this sandbox, a being could live out their existence, believing it to be true?" Her quill hovered in the air, poised to capture every word of his response.

"Maybe. The tetralogy about the Adventures of Neo fully proves this."

Twilight's horn glowed brighter, her mind racing with the implications of Cheater's words. "And what of the souls within these copies? Are they merely constructs of the dimension, or do they possess the essence of the original beings?" she inquired, her voice filled with a newfound respect for the depth of the mask's capabilities.

The so-called are here "souls" - these are secure symbolic links and a spoofing program working in tandem.

Twilight's eyes widened in a mix of wonder and concern. "Secure symbolic links and spoofing programs," she murmured, her voice trailing off as she tried to grasp the concept. "So, it's like... a mirror of consciousness?" She leaned closer, her horn glowing a soft shade of purple as she continued to probe. "And what of the moral quandaries that arise from such power? Can one ever truly be omnipotent without facing the burden of infinite responsibility?" The crackling fireplace cast flickering shadows across her fur, emphasizing the intensity of her gaze.

"There is one character from the book "Monday begins on Saturday". He could not come up with a single miracle that would satisfy the only condition of his new ability: the action of superpower should not harm any intelligent being. That's why I got a job as a maintenance technician".

Twilight Sparkle leaned closer to Cheater, her curiosity unbridled. "But what if the very existence of such power alters the fabric of reality in a way that we cannot predict or control?" she asked, her voice filled with both wonder and a touch of skepticism. "Does this not suggest a responsibility that is as vast as the universe itself?".

"This happens all the time. A person does not need superpower to one day drive into a distorted space-time in the middle of a road that none of us have ever created, and find ourselves thousands of kilometers from our native country."

Twilight Sparkle's eyes searched Cheater's, looking for any signs of uncertainty or doubt. "But what if the use of such omnipotence leads to unforeseen consequences, even with the best of intentions?" she asked, her voice a soft whisper that seemed to resonate with the ancient tomes surrounding them.

"You've already noticed that. Let me remind you that omnipotence can also be obtained by omniscience. However, we are not gods, but students in training. And omnipotence is just a tool for us. That's why I told you about our position of non-interference. I think you have a lot to tell Princess Celestia about today".

Twilight's eyes remained on Cheater, her gaze piercing through the flickering candlelight. "And what if the very presence of this power tempts one to play god?" she asked, her voice filled with a quiet intensity. "Could the temptation to control and manipulate not corrupt even the most well-intended?"

"Omnipotence tempts a creature in the same way as a bag of bits of an ordinary pony. The disadvantages will become visible immediately. Well, have you remembered the parables about wealth?"

Twilight nodded thoughtfully, her eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight. "The parables of wealth and power," she said, her voice a soft whisper. "They serve as cautionary tales, indeed." She took a deep breath, her horn dimming slightly. "But what if one were to become omnipotent, not out of desire for power, but for the sake of protecting others? Would the temptation to control still be as great?" Her gaze searched Cheater's, looking for the answer in the depths of his hooded eyes.

"A paradigm shift in thinking is enough. It is a very common way of enlightenment among enlightened people."

Twilight's eyes searched the depths of Cheater's hood, the candlelight playing across her fur as she considered his words. "But even with the purest intentions, the temptation to control must be overwhelming," she said, her voice a soft echo in the library's stillness. "How does one maintain such restraint?"

"The most difficult part is to realize that you do not need to control everything. To learn to trust in the natural flow of events and the ability of others to resolve their own issues. It's like swimming against the current when you can simply float and glide."

Twilight Sparkle nodded slowly, her horn dimming to a soft glow. "Floating with the current of events," she murmured, her eyes distant as she pondered the concept. "It seems almost... passive."

There is also a trust in luck in your adventures, so I am not the only one who adheres to this point of view. And besides me, you also have friends and acquaintances. I think we've spent enough time here for them to start worrying about you, so you should visit them. I promise I won't wreak havoc in Ponyville like Discord did.

Twilight's expression grew serious as she considered Cheater's words. She knew he was right; her friends must be concerned about her extended absence. With a nod of understanding, she stood up from her chair, her hooves clacking against the wooden floor. "You make a compelling argument," she said, her voice echoing slightly in the vast library. "I shall take your words to heart and consider them deeply."

"Thank you for your trust. Go to your friends."

Twilight Sparkle took a moment to absorb the weight of their conversation, her horn dimming to a mere whisper of light. "I must admit, Cheater, your insights have been... enlightening," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. She gathered her scrolls and books into a neat pile. "But I feel the need to discuss this further with my friends. The Elements of Harmony are about unity and balance, and their wisdom will surely shed more light on this matter." With a graceful nod, she turned towards the library door. "Rest well tonight. We shall continue this fascinating discourse tomorrow," she promised, the sound of her hooves fading as she trotted out of the library, her thoughts racing with the implications of Cheater's power and his philosophies on the nature of control.

"Good night, sparkle, and may dreams be as wonderful as friendship."